First Impressions Review
Jan 12, 2006
- By Patrick Singleton
The Panasonic Lumix LS2 pushes the price point for optical image stabilization, with Panasonic's full-blown MEGA O.I.S. in a 5 megapixel compact camera for under $200. The small, 3x zoom camera would be price-competitive without stabilization as it is – with it, the camera should be awfully interesting to snapshot users on a budget. On top of that, the Lumix LS2 has a white balance system that's surprisingly more flexible than the ones on most DSLRs.
Connectivity
Software

Panasonic packs the Lumix LS2 with Lumix Simple Viewer and two packages from Arcsoft: PhotoBase and PhotoImpression. The software allows the user to download images to a personal computer to organize, edit and print them, and to copy them for emailing and web posting.
Jacks, Ports, Plugs
The Lumix LS2 accepts an external power supply, and has a jack for USB 2.0 and analog video out.
Direct Print Options
The direct printing options on the Lumix LS2 are basic but easy to use. The camera can print directly to PictBridge printers and create DPOF print orders, selecting the number of copies for each selected image.
Battery
The Lumix LS2 comes with a pair of Panasonic Oxyride AA cells, the company's high-capacity disposable cells. Panasonic predicts a 250-shot life for a pair. The camera can also use rechargeable NiMH batteries or alkalines, though alkalines won't last long.
Memory
The Lumix LS2 has 14MB built in for image storage, and accepts SD media. SD cards are the most common memory format for compact cameras, so they're relatively cheap and easy to find. In our experience, they're durable and convenient as well.

Other Features
High Angle viewing - The LCD can be switched so it is easier to see from below, for taking pictures with the camera held above eye-level.
White Balance fine adjustment - The Lumix LS2's white balance settings can be tweaked in 150-degree increments. We already mentioned it when discussing White Balance, but it’s so remarkable on a camera at this price point that it bears repeating.
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Overall Impressions |
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